Juan Manuel Lopez set to make long-awaited return following suspension

Juan Manuel Lopez has long been one of the game's most exciting fighters, and he's often too brave for his own good. He loves to stand toe-to-toe and slug in the hopes of bringing the fans out of their seats.

Mostly, it's worked for him as he's compiled a 31-2 record with 28 knockouts and world titles at super bantamweight and featherweight.

"I am very happy to be back and fighting again," Lopez said. "It has been a long time and this layoff has helped me refocus in my career. The rest also helped me to recuperate and to go back to basics and relearn some things I had forgotten."

Lopez is good enough to still be a contender at featherweight, or at super featherweight if he chooses to move up. He'll make for interesting bouts with a number of the top guys.

He's taken a lot of punishment in his career, and particularly in the two losses to Salido. There is a legitimate question how much he has left to give, even at the tender age of 29.

If Lopez can regain his old form, and improve his defense, his return is great news for boxing. He needs to be watched carefully, though, to make sure there are no long-term effects from his many battles.